Deluxe Central Islands Cruise Large Ship Journey

PM: Bartolome Island

Considered as the most iconic landscape of the archipelago overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island beyond, is well worth the ascent up the wooden boardwalk. This volcanic scene has often been compared to a lunar landscape. Our 60 minutes snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, curious sea lions and white-tipped sharks.

AM: South Plaza

Our tour involves Dry landing in the presence of Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and land iguanas. The small island is covered with a carpet of a red succulent studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, we spend time watching birds fly past at eye level in the up draught, including frigate birds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters and red-billed tropicbirds. Back at sea level, we once again encounter land iguanas, some of which have hybridized with their resident marine cousins.

PM: North Seymour

Again, dry landing on this flat, uplifted island with rocky-terrain which is an important spot to see both magnificent & great frigate bird males courting the females by clicking, bill-clapping, shuddering and flapping their wings, all while showing off their grossly inflated, bright red, gular pouch. We will also likely see courting blue-footed boobies displaying their unique feet while dancing to a potential mate. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, crashing surf and distant views of the Daphne Islands top off a great visit.

AM: San Cristobal Island: Pitt Point

Todays is wet landing on the beach; Sea lions will greet us there! Get ready for our climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see the three booby species in the same place: red-footed will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, Nazca Boobies will be on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-footed Boobies will be a little further inland. Frigate-birds will be all around and the views are indeed spectacular.

PM: San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill
Wet landing at “Cerro Brujo” from our panga, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs; enjoy sharing the beach with sea lions and snorkel from the sea-shore. You can also follow the sandy trail to the hidden lagoon where you might spot ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and black-necked stilts, white-cheeked pintails.

AM: Cerro Colorado

On our last cruise day we visit the moist highlands of San Cristobal towards “La Galapaguera” giant tortoise breeding center to witness the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages in a semi-natural habitat which lends itself to good photographic opportunities. The aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild. In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.

After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.